In 2011 I took advantage of buying a ticket to the London Screenwriters’ Festival using the Early Bird opportunity and also paying in 10 monthly installments. I knew this was the only way I could afford to come as if I left it to the last minute and had to face paying full price for a ticket, I would not be able to justify the expense.
IT WAS THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. I have been every year since!
What has the London Screenwriters’ Festival done for me?
Each year it gets me out of my comfort zone, a rural retreat with chickens and sheep as neighbours, and drags me into the city of London to mix with hundreds of strangers.
Why do I do it year after year? I soon realised that the delegates are not ‘strangers’, they are people from my own (to quote Chris) tribe. They are writers. I love joining a table and chatting, finding out people’s stories, exchanging advice or giving a warning not to be duped by something that is too good to be true.
Since the Actors Table Read began I have had a script read each year and have learned so much about writing from those experiences. I have also kept in touch with several actors. I still get nervous at the Pitch Fest but I am getting better at it and now one or two producers recognise me.
The year my script was chosen for a Script Lab gave a huge boost to my confidence as well as being extremely useful.
Going to the London Screenwriters’ Festival is my yearly treat to myself for all the hours I spend sitting alone at my desk writing spec screenplays. My creative batteries are re-charged and I leave with a warm glow and lots of contacts.
Long may the LSF continue.
Rita Wheeler
Screenwriter
Posted by a member of the London Screenwriters’ Festival team.
